The UAE's national passenger rail network enters a major new phase on Wednesday with the launch of Etihad Rail services linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, giving travellers a new intercity alternative to road transport and bringing Dubai into the country's rapidly expanding passenger rail system.
Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station was inaugurated on Monday, marking the official launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail network and the beginning of a new phase of expansion connecting more cities and regions across the country.
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, and AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, have partnered to launch a direct rail service connecting Fujairah Terminals with the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD).
Leading UAE developer Aldar has announced the launch of Talay, an exclusive collection of 351 standalone villas, marking the first residential community at Marsa Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. The 6.4-million-sq-m development is located alongside an Etihad Rail underground station and includes 8 km of coastline.
Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to create a seamless air-rail travel experience across the UAE.
Turkish construction company Kalyon Inşaat has announced that its consortium has begun work on the Abu Dhabi section of the UAE's first high-speed railway network, a part of Etihad Rail's $13 billion plan to develop a passenger railway network spanning 900km across the emirates.
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has announced that its passenger network will continue to expand with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations scheduled to open on September 30, 2026.
Etihad Rail is enhancing journeys between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah with an Emirati-inspired onboard menu by Capital Catering, created by award-winning chef Maitha Warshaw under the theme “A Journey Through the Emirates.”
EMSTEEL, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, said it had supplied locally manufactured rebar and more than 80,000 tonnes of cement for the Etihad Rail project. These were used in the construction of passenger stations across Al Dhafra region and Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Rail’s passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah is expected to boost tourism, improve inter-emirate connectivity and drive economic growth. The 105-minute journey will support Fujairah’s tourism sector, with the network projected to serve 10 million passengers annually.
